Kefnet, the bird-headed god of mind, represents blue mana;
Representing black mana is Bontu, the god of glory with a dog's head; representing red mana is Hazoret, the god of fanaticism with a jackal's head; representing green mana is Rhonas, the god of fearlessness with a snake's head.
The above five are the animal-headed gods who appeared publicly on the Amonkhet plane and are active in the mortal world.
In addition to them, there are three insect-headed gods hiding in the darkness. They will only appear when the moment of glory comes and complete their mission, which is to kill all the beast-headed gods.
This was the script that Nicol Bolas wrote after he invaded the world and transformed it to his will.
For a long time, Zuo Si felt that the reason why the old dragon could do this so easily was entirely because the gods of Amonkhet were too weak and could not be compared with the true gods in the universe where Toril was located, who embodied certain philosophies, thoughts and beliefs.
After all, even the weakest demigod of the latter possesses the ability to "explode stars", which is roughly equivalent to the Titans in the Pantheon of the neighboring Azeroth universe.
The gods of the Amonkhet plane obviously do not possess such power. They are merely special life forms with powerful mana and partial support from the power of faith.
But after seeing the cat-headed god Oketa with his own eyes, Zuo Si realized that he had made a mistake, that is, he did not know enough about the diversity of this special creature.
Moreover, the beast-headed god was not as weak as he imagined. Instead, it was quite dangerous.
Almost every god is directly connected to the world's mana core, and through the faith of mortals, they can obtain abilities similar to extraordinary divine powers that mortals cannot resist at all.
The simplest example is the divine venom created by the fearless god Rhonas, which can definitely pose a huge threat to the gods of Faerun.
Therefore, the beast-headed god is not weak, but is slightly different in its form of existence and expression of divine power.
They do not seek the kind of destructive power that the gods of the universe where Toril lives, but rather integrate it into certain rules that they control.
But unfortunately, since these gods are bound to the entire Amonkhet mana core, when Nicol Bolas directly tampered with the mana core, they all inevitably fell, without even the slightest chance of resistance.
After figuring this out, Zuo Si felt more and more that his original decision to never become a god might have been the wisest choice he had ever made in his life.
Because no matter what kind of god it is, even the Titan God who is known to be the most unrestrained, its essence is still integrated with certain operating rules of the corresponding world or even the universe.
Although they can obtain great power and immortal life, they must also fulfill their obligations within the scope of their duties and are bound to them and can never escape.
On the contrary, only by firmly continuing along the path of the Planeswalker can one gain true freedom.
In this way, with the preliminary research on the beast-headed god of Amonkhet time and space, as well as the artifact staff given to him by the old dragon, Zuo Si quickly transferred his soul and consciousness back to the clone placed in the continent of Faerun.
The moment he woke up and took the staff out of the box, a human woman with long black hair and smooth skin suddenly appeared in front of him.
Needless to say, this is the incarnation sent down by the third generation magic goddess Midnight.
Fortunately, Zuo Si was quick enough to put on all the card-like clothes and equipment in an instant, avoiding the embarrassment of meeting each other naked. At the same time, he sighed and complained, "Please, can you give me a heads up or go through the main entrance next time you come? If you keep doing surprise attacks like this, I'm afraid I'll get a mental illness sooner or later."
"Ah! Sorry, I just suddenly felt that a powerful magical artifact had entered Toril, so I couldn't help but rush over to see what it was."
Midnight couldn't help but purse the corners of her mouth into a playful smile.
As the actual controller of the magic network and the goddess of magic standing at the pinnacle of all powerful divine powers, she certainly could not be unaware of the operation of her youngest chosen one, transferring the soul and consciousness between different incarnations.
Moreover, with the god's keen perception, he can see clearly everything he should and shouldn't see the moment he arrives.
But Midnight was already an experienced person and didn't care about these things. Instead, he thought the other person's slightly annoyed reaction was very interesting, even a little cute.
"Forget it, just be more careful next time."
Zuo Si shook his head helplessly, then handed over the inconspicuous staff.
Because he understood that being interested in everything related to magic was the innate nature of the Goddess of Magic, and he would inevitably be affected from the moment he obtained the priesthood.
It's like the other party is clearly neutral and tends to be kind, but has to tolerate the existence of many evil forces such as the Cult of the Dragon, the Red Robe Wizard, and the "Doomsday Crawler" Dorgothos, and even has to restrain voters in the good camp such as Elminster from actively causing trouble for the other party.
The reason is very simple.
It is these evil and cruel magical experiments conducted by organizations or individuals that are beneficial to the overall concept of "magic".
So whenever Zuo Si brought back some new magical knowledge, technology and artifacts from other worlds, the Goddess of Magic and the God of Knowledge would soon come to him.
He was no longer surprised by this.
Moreover, this mutual communication can also help them understand and master these magical knowledge faster.
Midnight picked up the artifact once used by the Mother of Magic, Karona, with great interest, feeling the powerful force contained in it. After a full minute, he asked in an uncertain tone, "Was it once the weapon of a certain God of Magic?"
Zuo Si nodded without hesitation: "Yes.
It is a weapon used by an artificial deity in another time and space called the Mother of Magic.
However, with the destruction of the god by its creator, most of the staff's power was lost.
But interestingly, this artifact seems to have the ability to enhance the holder's magical talents.
When I hold it, I feel all the energy in my body burning, boiling, and being purified repeatedly. "
“It’s not surprising.
Because the staff contains a power I have never seen before.
It can not only draw energy from the magic network, but also draw all forms of raw energy from the universe, and perform in-depth processing based on the type of magic and talent that the holder is proficient in.
In this way, whoever holds this artifact can maximize its advantages.
If I'm not mistaken, the reason why you feel the energy in your body burning, boiling, and repeatedly purified should be the effect of the spark of the mage.
In addition, you should also be able to sense that the purified energy is not under your control at all, as if it could burst out at any time, right?"
I have to say, Midnight is worthy of being the goddess of magic. She quickly figured out all the capabilities of this magical staff, as well as most of its internal structure and principles.
For her, no matter how complex and profound the magical knowledge is, she will be able to understand it after just touching it.
"Your guess is absolutely right. I want to upgrade and transform it now. Do you have any good suggestions?" Zuo Si asked very humbly.
Midnight thought for a moment and quickly answered: "Since this artifact does not use the magic principles of Toril, I am not sure how to upgrade and transform it.
But if you don't mind, I can try to use the various magical knowledge you brought back to make some repairs on it.
At least it allows you to purify and release controlled energy instead of pouring it out all at once.
In addition, I can also add the power of the magic network and silver fire into it.
This would make it almost the most powerful magical artifact on the continent of Faerun.
The only thing you need to be careful about is never giving it to any mortal besides yourself.
Because mortals cannot control such a powerful force.
They will be blown up by the energy absorbed by the staff, directly triggering a terrifying chaotic magic storm that can destroy a city or even a country."
"Then what are you waiting for? Please do it now."
Zuo Si agreed without even thinking about it.
He has always accepted good things like this kind of free stuff.
"As expected of you, the crown prince of hell chosen by Asmodeus. You are just like the devil in trying to take advantage of others."
Midnight obviously noticed the little thoughts of his young voter and immediately rolled his eyes in annoyance.
But even though she rolled her eyes, she still used her divine power to wrap the entire wooden staff and created seven gems of different colors, shining like stars, out of thin air.
In the blink of an eye, the seven gems were inlaid one by one on the top of the staff, forming a beautiful ring shape.
Then a silver magic metal produced from the kingdom of the Goddess of Magic - the Heart of Spells - surged out from the texture inside the wooden staff, forming complex lines, symbols and patterns on the surface.
Finally, a silver flame ignited from the end of the staff and then quickly spread to the top.
When the silver fire was completely extinguished, the originally plain wooden staff took on a completely different silver metallic texture than before, and the seven gems continued to flash with dazzling brilliance.
Midnight directly threw the repaired staff in his hand to Zuo Si and said bluntly: "Here, use it well.
Although I'm not quite sure what kind of enemies you have provoked outside, I can sense the urgency you subconsciously show.
If you need help, just ask. Don't be polite or embarrassed.
Whether it is me or Oghma, the god of knowledge, we will give you enough support within our ability."
"Thank you very much. But I don't think you two can help me with this matter."
Zuo Si took the staff, bent down and bowed slightly.
Given Nicol Bolas's terrifying power that could easily drain and tear apart any time and space, as well as his reckless and reckless style of doing things without any fear, he didn't think that Io, the God of Gods, would allow him to enter Toril.
"Well, then I can only wish you the best."
Seeing that Zuo Si was unwilling to reveal this information, Midnight had no choice but to give up.
Just as she was about to turn around and leave, Zuo Si suddenly called her from behind: "Wait! How is Jebido Turan, the new god, doing now? I haven't heard from him for a long time."
“Jebido Turan?
He is still being exploited day and night by Talos.
According to the agreement I reached with the God of Storms, this new God of Magic needs to serve him for at least one year before he can come to the Heart of Spells to accept my protection.
I plan to have him serve as a servant of Azus when the time comes.
Don't worry, although the little dwarf is having a hard time right now, being threatened by the angry gods all day long, his life is still safe."
Midnight stopped and quickly gave a brief update on the current situation of the god of necromancy, necromancers, liches, and undead creatures.
Although she also wanted to quickly bring Jebido Turan under her control.
Unfortunately, the latter used the method of deification provided by Talos, the god of storms, so he must repay this favor regardless of both emotion and reason.
"I see. It looks like Jebido Turan will have to suffer for a while."
Zuo Si felt relieved when he learned that the dwarf, whom he had deified, was not in danger of life.
As for being oppressed by the God of Storms, there is nothing that can be done about it.
Look at the furious gods, which one of them has not been exploited by Talos?
The weaker winter goddess Auril was treated like a slave for many years and had to swallow her anger.
In comparison, a "fixed-term imprisonment" of just over a year is already quite good.
With the departure of the Magic Goddess Midnight, the room once again returned to peace.
Zuo Si left the Mage Tower and randomly found an uninhabited mountain. After testing the magical power that this artifact staff could bring, he soon showed an expression of great satisfaction.
Because with just one strike, the energy shock wave he released razed a mountain in the Yunwu Mountain Area to the ground.
The hard rock was completely defenseless against this devastating attack and instantly turned into powder and dust that was indistinguishable to the naked eye.
The snow and ice at high altitudes evaporated on the spot, forming thick gray clouds in the sky above.
You have to know that this is not the release of all energy.
By paying only about forty points of universal mana, one can gain terrifying power that far exceeds most legendary magic.
If all the energy stored in the Planeswalker's Spark were released at once, shattering a planet would not be a big problem at all.
Most importantly, the release of this energy shock is not restricted by any casting environment.
As long as there is energy that can be absorbed and utilized in the surrounding environment, Zuo Si can release shock waves with the help of the magic wand.
In addition, the staff also allows the holder to convert spell slots at will, turning it into a spellcasting system similar to mana.
For example, a high-level spell slot can be converted into three spell slots of one lower level, and vice versa. The magic memorized that day can also be copied to the blank spell slot that has just been converted.
This means that in spell duels, Zuo Si can use many more flexible and varied strategies and tactics.
As for the silver fire bestowed upon the chosen by the goddess of magic, it can be added to any spell at will when holding the staff.
Not only can it change the damage type and characteristics of the spell, but it can also directly ignore all magical immunity and resistance except for divine power and quasi-divine power.
Even divine power and quasi-divine power can only reduce some of the damage and impact, and cannot be directly immune like ordinary spells.
Just as Midnight had described, this staff could be considered the most powerful magical artifact in Toril.
At least that was the case until she herself used this knowledge and technology to create the next artifact.
Looking at the flattened mountain in front of him, Zuo Si couldn't help but sigh slightly: "Not enough, this is far from enough.
I need more power, more energy, more powerful artifacts, and a higher level of my planeswalker spark.
Just wait and see, dear Nicol Bolas.
One day I will take everything from you in the War of the Spark, from the blood of the primordial dragon to the power of the spark of the ancient planeswalkers.
Only I, and only I, can completely and thoroughly replace you.
But before that, I will continue to lie dormant and accumulate strength."
As the last word came out of his mouth, Zuo Si turned into a ball of white light and disappeared on the spot.
…
Meanwhile, in a temporary lair far away in the north.
With the help of the Dragon Cult, Kurremos had successfully transformed the silver dragon, which he had tortured to the point of being on the verge of death and completely collapsed, into a dracolich.
Looking at the undead form that exuded a strong negative energy, the silver dragon instantly opened his mouth and screamed like crazy: “NO!!!!!!!!!!!”
What the hell did you bastards do to me? Wasn't it enough to torture me by forcing me to lay eggs through rape and evil magic rituals?
Why should we deprive ourselves of even the final peace of death?
Don’t you have any compassion or humanity in your hearts?”
Faced with such questioning, Kurremos's reaction was simply to raise the phylactery in his hand and responded without a trace of emotion: "Of course it's not enough! Blame it on you being Castellanferian's sister.
It's all because of you annoying silver dragons who always like to meddle in other people's business.
Remember, you are now an undead creature, a dragon lich most hated by all metal dragons, and my slave.
If you don't want your soul to be doomed and completely disappear, then you must obey every order I give you.
Otherwise I will destroy your phylactery without hesitation."
moment!
The silver dragon, which had transformed into a dracolich, stopped all movements and stared at the "filial son" and the life box he held with its two red eyes.
Because she had just been transformed, she looked not much different from when she was alive, and still maintained her beautiful demeanor and scales.
But the problem is that just because there is no change in appearance does not mean there is no change in the heart and mind.
In fact, from the moment the transformation was completed, the instincts of the undead creature had been injected into the soul of the silver dragon, causing permanent and irreversible changes to it.
If she were still alive, she would definitely rush up to the other person without hesitation and die together with him.
Seeing that the threat had the desired effect, a satisfied smile suddenly appeared on Kuerremos’ face: “Very good, it seems that you have understood your current situation.
This is a good start for you and me.
Now I ask you to go to the High Forest immediately and cooperate with the Zhentarim intelligence network operating there to spread the news that you were ambushed and injured, and try to lure the two most important leaders of the Harpist Alliance over there.
I believe that with your intelligence, you should know who I am referring to, right? Don't try to play tricks! Because everything you do will not escape my eyes. "
"Did you deliberately start the fight between Scar Klaus and the Harpist?" Silver Dragon narrowed his eyes and asked tentatively.
She was obviously no fool, and through this order she keenly perceived the evil conspiracy behind the whole thing.
"Haha, who else could it be? After this incident, the top leaders of the Harpist Alliance will be wiped out, and they will completely lose the sphere of influence they have been operating in the North for many years.
And I will become the undisputed king of all the monsters and barbarian tribes in the vast wilderness and forests.
If I were you, I would give up those unrealistic fantasies of the past and actively embrace reality.
As long as you perform well enough, I don't mind leaving you a front position in my kingdom."
说罢，库尔雷莫斯给了对方一个好自为之的眼神，随后便带着命匣转身向更旁边另外一个洞穴走去。
得知真相的银龙站在原地，目光中透露出无法掩饰的痛苦与挣扎，大概三五分钟之后才似乎终于下定了决心，走出洞穴扇动翅膀腾空而起，朝着至高森林所在的方向飞去。
等她彻底消失在天空的尽头，库尔雷莫斯这才对跟在身边的撒伦精怪——阿加莎吩咐道：“盯这家伙。如果发现她有任何异常举动就直接通知我。”
“知道了。”
阿加莎瞬间发动传送能力，带着暗影能核消失在原地。
身为整个计划的制定者跟重要参与者，库尔雷莫斯知道现在已经是万事俱备，只等伊尔明斯特和风暴·银手动身前往至高森林，他就可以联合哈瑞德三世引诱太古红龙——疤佬克劳斯主动向竖琴手高层发起进攻，彻底拉开这场大战的序幕。
不过这并不容易。
毕竟不管是伊尔明斯特还是风暴·银手都经历了太多的阴谋和算计，在应对这方面的经验可以说是非常的丰富。
一旦真实意图被两人提前察觉，那么等两败俱伤捡便宜的剧本可能就要改成正面碰撞。
但库尔雷莫斯显然不太想那么早就暴露自己，而是更希望继续躲在幕后操纵一切。
当然，抱着这种想法的并不只有他一个。
黑暗情报网的主宰席曼蒙也做出了同样的选择。
利用竖琴手对散塔林会的渗透，他不断放出各种各样的假消息来勾引伊尔明斯特。
为此甚至不惜派出了自己麾下最精锐的几支队伍不断在至高森林外围游荡，偶尔还会通过献祭召唤一些恶魔，摆出要搞大事情的样子，让在该区域居住的精灵村落、德鲁伊教派感到紧张不安。
眼下正在长鞍镇哈贝尔家族做客的伊尔明斯特在听到竖琴手们传递回来的消息后，立刻紧锁着眉头陷入沉思。
由于最近北地各城镇、村庄与荒野之间爆发的激烈冲突，让这位年过千岁的老人有生以来第一次感到了什么叫做心力交瘁。
最重要的是，那种眼睁睁看着对方跟你打明牌，自己却丝毫没有办法的感觉简直糟糕透了。
无论怎么做、怎么选最终得到的结果都是错的。
毫无疑问，在政治、经济和人心人性领域，左思结结实实给这位阴影谷的大贤者上了一课。
如果不是长鞍镇的统治者——哈贝尔家族是个典型的法师家族，对于财富、贸易之类的事情远没有其他城镇那么上心，仍旧还能对竖琴手同盟保持一种相对中立偏友好的态度，伊尔明斯特说不定连个能住宿落脚的地方都没有，只能在野外搭帐篷宿营。
目前北地的局势是差不多所有城镇和村庄都联合起来，明确表示不欢迎竖琴手同盟那套平衡理念，禁止任何竖琴手在自己的地盘上活动。
虽然还没到像其他地区那样抓到竖琴手就直接处死的程度，但扔进监狱蹲大牢是肯定的。
伊尔明斯特和风暴·银手本人更是被许多城镇明确拒之门外，不允许他们进入自己的地盘。
无奈之下，这才在长鞍镇哈贝尔家族暂住，并且将其作为竖琴手同盟在北地最重要的联络据点。
“你还好吗？”
风暴·银手注视着这位魔法女神第一选民脸上的表情询问道。
作为从很早以前就跟随在伊尔明斯特身边的七姐妹之一，她从未见过对方如此疲惫的样子，内心之中充满了担忧。
老人苦笑着摇了摇头回应道：“我没事，只是有些不确定这些消息究竟是敌人故意放出来的烟雾弹，还是他们真的想要做些什么。
很显然，在没有了曼松的激进策略之后，席曼蒙领导的散塔林会变得比以前还要阴险、狡诈、难缠。
他从不跟我们正面进行较量，反倒是不断的拉扯、调度，让所有竖琴手都疲于奔命。
如果只是席曼蒙在捣乱还好。
可问题是眼下的北地不止有一股势力在向我们发起围攻。
最要命的是，威胁最大的索斯到现在还没有下场，仅仅是利用贸易同盟产生的连锁反应就让所有竖琴手的生存环境变得异常恶劣。
在这种情况下，数不清的人放弃了竖琴手的身份，还有更多的人开始厌恶与排斥整个组织。
我担心再这样下去，光是人手的流失就会导致我们在北地的网络彻底崩溃。”
“既然明知道不是对手，那你为什么不主动认输呢？ 看在同为魔法女神选民的份上，我相信索斯应该不会赶尽杀绝才对。
而且无论立场与否，我们都应该承认他的确是个优秀的统治者，为绝大多数普通民众带来了富足繁荣的生活。
至于对荒野的开发，我认为应该可以通过谈判来解决双方之间的纷争。”
风暴·银手一口气说出了自己藏在心底多时的看法。
她实在有些不理解，对方为何如此执着于进行这场思想、意识、理念与价值观的较量。
“认输？”
伊尔明斯特忍不住笑了，一边笑还一边点燃自己心爱的烟斗，猛地抽了一口耐心解释道：“如果现在认输的话，我就不再是曾经那个敢于面对一切危险和困难的自己了。
你不明白，索斯给这个世界带来的并不仅仅只有繁荣富足的生活。
如果是那样的话，我还有什么理由阻止呢？
他真正危险的地方在于悄无声息改变了成千上万人的思想、认知与价值观。
看看北地那些原本淳朴的民众，现如今为了赚钱、为了更好的生活和享受都变成了什么样子？ 他们内心之中名为贪婪的魔鬼已经索斯的一系列政策勾引出来，正在疯狂吞噬者一切固有的伦理道德。
你敢想象当这一切蔓延到整个费伦大陆之后，我们曾经熟悉的世界会变得何等腐朽堕落么？
所以这才是我们之间最大的分歧。”
风暴·银手似懂非懂的点了点头：“好吧，也许你是对的。
可问题是现如今整个北地四处都需要我们去救火，你觉得这份情报应该怎么处理？
无视它？ 还是立刻动身去查看一下具体的情况？”
“嗯——我想最好是等完成对克劳斯的讨伐之后再过去。
毕竟这是近十几年以来我们最大的动作，对方又是一条成名已久的太古红龙，绝对不能掉以轻心。
一旦成功杀死克劳斯，至少米拉巴的统治者应该会对竖琴手刮目相看，并允许我们在那边继续活动。”
伊尔明斯特犹豫片刻说出了自己的打算。
他很清楚竖琴手同盟之所以能坚持到现在，就是因为有这群信仰和意志都异常坚定的高层在发挥领导作用。
要是这些骨干死伤惨重，很多转入地下秘密潜伏的竖琴手就会立刻与组织失去联络的途径，甚至连证明自己的身份都做不到。
毕竟竖琴手同盟的成员本质是间谍跟刺客，为了保密通常都是单线联系，而且也没有所谓的人员名单。
这也就意味着当作为关键节点的领导者与他的副手突然同时死亡没有来得及做出任何安排，那么这一片地区竖琴手的活动就会瞬间陷入停滞。
别的暂且不说，光是把失去联系的竖琴手找出来就要费上好一番功夫。
风暴·银手显然并不认同这个过于保守的计划，摸着下巴质疑道：“可那些散塔林会的人正在四处召唤恶魔。难道你就不怕地狱门堡的灾难重演吗？”
“应该不至于发展到那种程度吧……”
在说这番话的时候，伊尔明斯特明显有些信心不足。
顾名思义，地狱门堡就是一处被地狱魔鬼占据的要塞。
它位于至高森林的东北角，最初是月精灵城市——阿斯克角。
后来耐瑟瑞尔文明崩溃之后，部分人类遗民占据了此地并开始定居。
再后来不知道发生了什么，许多魔鬼混入城内通过出色的政治手腕从上到下完成了对统治者和平民的秘密控制。
这种情况一直延续到DR882年才终于被一群法师察觉到。
疯狂的法师为了清除魔鬼，直接打开一道通往无底深渊的传送门，让源源不断的恶魔冲出来跟他们的死敌交手。
根据历史学家的记载，这场血战在物质位面的延续撕裂了天空和大地，把整个城市变成了充斥着杀戮死亡的人间炼狱。
最终，获得胜利的魔鬼在原有城市的废墟上建立了一座坚固的要塞，就是大名鼎鼎的——地狱门堡。
In order to completely eliminate this huge threat, the Harper leaders secretly planned an operation long ago, intending to completely destroy it and expel it from the main material plane through a series of powerful magical rituals.
If it weren't for the series of events that happened later, I would probably have chosen to take action within one or two years.
Unfortunately, as the conflict with Scar-Man Klaus escalated, the Harpist had to abandon his previous plan and start dealing with this equally difficult ancient red dragon with all his strength.
Just as Storm Silverhand was about to say something, a middle-aged human woman wearing a harpist pin suddenly rushed in and reported in a breathless voice: "Bad news!
Someone claims to have spotted a wounded silver dragon near the High Forest.
It is most likely one of the two dragon allies who came to support us and suddenly disappeared along the way.
They may have been ambushed by the enemy and are in desperate need of our help."
"What?!"
Elminster suddenly stood up from his chair.
As a fierce man who had ridden a silver dragon, he had countless inexplicable and complex relationships with the metal dragon clan.
Especially the younger silver dragons, who might be the descendants of the silver dragon with whom they had an intimate relationship, may even call the Great Sage of Shadow Valley grandpa or uncle.
"It looks like we have to go anyway."
Storm Silverhand also stood up, put on the weapons and equipment placed beside him one by one, and made a gesture ready to set off.
Elminster nodded solemnly, "You are right. We really need to go and take a look this time. No matter what the Zhentarim and Ximamon are planning, we must stop them."
Just like that, the two chosen ones of the magic goddess simply packed up their things, said goodbye to the Habel family, rode their horses out of Longan Town and galloped eastward.
As for why they didn't use the convenient teleportation magic...
Of course, it was due to Elminster's deplorable quirks and magical ideas.
He advocated that one must think twice and carefully when using magic, and try not to use it if possible, so no matter where he went, he would walk there. The number of times he used teleportation spells in his life could be said to be very few, and he did not look like a legendary wizard at all.
As soon as the two men left the Longsaddle Formation, the spy hiding in the dark reported what he had seen to Hared III who was active in Mirabar.
The man who had turned from love to hatred for Elminster had a vicious light in his eyes. He immediately used the resources at hand to offer a large reward, causing adventurers to flock to the deep mountains in the north.
His purpose was very simple, which was to provoke Scar Klaus to leave his lair and attack Mirabar.
In this way, the Harpists' top leaders who were gathering in this mining city would think that their plan had been exposed, and would be forced to take action in advance and fight to the death with this ancient red dragon.
There is no doubt that in this underground intelligence system game involving multiple parties, Hared III, Simamon and Kurremos have taken the initiative through a lot of operations.
It would depend on whether they could kill the Harpers' top brass before Elminster and Storm Silverhand could react.
…
On the other side, under the walls of De'Anisburg in southern Amn, the team led by Aberdare was staring at the tense and unsettling scene in front of them.
I saw more than a hundred corpses densely packed on top of the castle wall.
Only a small number of them are humans, and most of them are monsters such as orcs, half-orcs, gnolls, and goblins.
The former could easily be identified from their clothing as soldiers, servants and maids of the castle, but the bodies of the latter were puzzling.
Because they should have been the main force to attack the castle, but now each of them has "brain holes (physics)", and their skulls are empty without even a bit of brain matter.
What's even more terrible is that the moment they stepped into the castle, everyone heard some strange voice whispering in their minds. It only takes a few minutes to make people go crazy and become extremely irritable.
"Damn it! This is psychic power! I think we might be in big trouble this time."
Sancho, the team's intellectual leader, expressed his guess with a twitch of his mouth.
Although he had not seen any monsters so far, he could predict that there must be a considerable number of mind flayers in the castle.
Because the corpses on the city wall whose brains had been eaten clean could not have been done by any other species except the mind flayers.
"What do we do now?"
Nalia's face was full of tension and anxiety.
Because according to the information provided by the soldier who ran back to deliver the letter, her father did not give up the family business, but chose to stay in the castle and continue to hold on relying on the terrain advantage.
"Do you know of any secret passages in this castle that we can use to sneak in? It's too dangerous to attack from the front. We don't know how many monsters controlled by the Mind Flayer we will face."
While Sancho was quickly thinking of a countermeasure, Ce asked about the details.
After facing the legendary half-lich Kongos, he has completely completed his transformation. There is no trace of childishness in his eyes anymore, but instead a maturity and stability that does not match his age.
Especially the almost cold rationality that was revealed unintentionally, which made the knowledgeable Jaheira feel a chill down his spine, and secretly sighed that only a monster can teach another monster.
Yes, in the eyes of this half-elf druid, Zuo Si and Sancho have already gone beyond the category of "human".
Nalia quickly replied: "I know there is a secret passage that leads into the castle from the basement. But what about the whispers that keep echoing in my ears once I step into the castle?"
"Here, I just happened to bring a few bottles of mind-shielding potion. If each person drinks one, they will be able to ignore this kind of psychic interference for a short period of time.
Keep in mind, though, that the potion only lasts an hour and a half.
In other words, if we cannot eliminate the enemies inside within an hour and a half, we must withdraw immediately and give up.
Otherwise, within ten minutes at most, people with low intelligence will start to go crazy and be influenced and controlled by the other party."
Having said that, Sancho deliberately paused and turned his gaze towards Aberdare and Minsk. The implication of his words was self-evident.
Minsk was so stupid that he didn't notice anything wrong with the boy's eyes and was still talking to the yellow rat Bubu on his shoulder.
Instead, Aberdare's face turned red, and he obviously felt embarrassed and ashamed. He lowered his head to avoid eye contact with Sancho.
He didn't realize that he was slowly losing the leadership of the team without realizing it, and his status changed from leader to a mere executor.
(End of this chapter)